Black Country Review Consultation Launched

21 February. The Black Country Review Consultation has now been launched. Full details are on the consultation website: www.community-consultations.co.uk The review focusses on developments in Walsall, Wolverhampton and Dudly in cancer care, cardiac (heart) services and paediatric (children) and neonatal services.

Here is the Chairman's letter introducing the review:

Dear colleague
Over the past two years, clinical experts and leaders in the local NHS in the
Black Country have been looking at ways to improve the local health
service, making it truly centred around patient needs.

As a result, important changes are proposed particularly relating to cancer
services, cardiac services and paediatric and neonatal services in Dudley,
Walsall and Wolverhampton.

A document detailing those proposed changes is enclosed. This document
includes details of a series of public meetings and also includes a response
form. Other ways of commenting on the proposals are detailed on page 4.

I very much hope that you will take the time to study this document and let
us have your views no later than May 19th 2006. A summary of responses will
be published by the end of June 2006.

In the meantime, could I thank those who have participated in the review
and also thank you in anticipation of your responses.

Yours faithfully
Professor Brian Edwards
Chairman, the Black Country Review Implementation Board
On behalf of:
Dudley Beacon and Walsall Primary Care Trust
Dudley South Primary Care Trust
Walsall Teaching Primary Care Trust
Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust